09x05 - Little Lou

[bunniefuu]

Well, come on.
It's getting late,
I've got to get home.

Don't rush me, john.

You've been looking at
those cards for 5 minutes.

They're not
going to change.

I lose this hand,
I lose everything.

All right,
I'll call.

Queens and 4s.

3 10S.

Sorry, doc.

That breaks me.

Are you satisfied?

Doc, your credit
is good with me.

I'll give you
another chance.

You owe me 20 matches.

Thanks, john.

I guess
it's my deal.

Another cup of coffee?

No, thanks,
it's coming out
of my ears.

[Door opens]

I need a doctor.

My wife,
she's having a baby.

We're just
outside of town.

Please help me.

I'll hitch up
the team, doc.

[Wagon approaching]

Man: mama,
I got a doctor.

Woman:
hurry, doctor.

She's in such pain.

Dr. Baker:
you stay here, mr. Bates.

I'll need some
hot water to wash up.

Woman: it's ready.

He's a good doctor.

I'm sure he is.

I'm still scared.

It's your
first child?

Yeah.

Never thought
it would happen.

A man my age...

We waited and prayed
for years.

I just never thought
I'd really be
this scared.

I think all fathers
are scared.

Some of them just
don't admit it,
that's all.

Why don't you
sit down and relax?

Come on,
this coffee
feels hot.

My wife is a little
person, too, and...

It's really been hard
on her all these months,

Long hours...

Traveling
every other day.

How did you happen
to be out here
all alone?

Oh, we weren't alone.

We were with the circus
going to sleepy eye,

And all of a sudden
the pain started.

I was afraid to take
the wagon into town.

Lucky for me,
I found you.

You know, I don't
even know your name.

John carter.

Lou bates.
Little lou.

I wonder if
they need anything.

If they do,
they'll holler.

My wife
wanted a girl.

I'm sure it's going
to be a girl.

How about you?

Boy, girl,
either one...

As long as
it's healthy.

You know,
big people.

Oh, I don't mind.

The circus has been
very good to me.

But for our baby...

How long have you
been in the circus?

All my life.

Acrobat, clown,
bookkeeper,

You name it.

I wonder what's
taking them so long.

Come on,
have some coffee.

[Baby crying]

You have a baby girl.

Is she...?

Your baby seems
to be perfect.

A girl.

I've got a baby girl.

I'm going to go
see my wife.

Mr. Bates,
your wife...

My wife?

She's so small,
so fragile.

If she were stronger,
I might have...

Isn't there anything?

No. You'd better
go into now.

She's beautiful.

You're prejudiced.

No, uh-uh.

Even if she wasn't
ours, I'd say it.

She is beautiful.

The doctor said
she's perfect,

Just perfect.

We'd better stop
calling our baby
"she."

She has a name,
you know.

Cynthia is perfect.

We'd...

We'd better
not spoil her,

Because when
she grows up,

She'll be
too big to spank.

And...

Don't, louis,
please.

We've got to talk.

I don't want you
to go back
to the circus.

I know it's
a lot to ask,

But for your
daughter's sake,
please don't.

It's no life
for a girl,

Always moving
around,

Never really
belonging anywhere.

I'm not going to ask
you to promise,

Just to try.

You know I'll try.

I'll really try.

[Cynthia coos]

Cynthia
is beautiful.

I won't be going on
with the circus, john.

Alice asked me not to.

She said she didn't want me
to do all that traveling,

But I think that was
only part of it.

I don't think she wanted
our daughter to grow up

Watching people
watching me.

You know...

Laughing at
the funny little man
in the clown outfit.

Maybe she was right.

What kind of work
are you going to be
looking for?

I don't know.

Well, there might be
something at my livery.

It's hard work, but...

What kind of work, john?

You must have
something in mind.

Well, I could
put you on--

Come on,
I need a ladder

To get on that horse
over there.

I don't mind
being little,

But I'd like to do a job
a little man can do.

I understand.

I'll go in town
this afternoon

And look
for some work.

Well, right now
why don't you get
your things together

And come on over
to my place?

No, thank you.

We're fine in the wagon.

I've lived in one
my whole life.

Yeah, but you've got
the baby now.

Well, yeah, as soon
as I get some work,

We'll get a room
in town.

- Are you sure?
- Yeah.

Lou:
pardon me, ma'am.

Yes?

Lou: down here.

My name is lou bates,
and I'm looking for a job.

Why, land sakes!

A midget!
[Laughs]

It appears that way.

Well, I've never
seen one before.

Well, it's
a small world.

Oh, yes, it's...

[Laughs]
yes, I get it,
that's very funny.

It's a small world.
[Laughs]

- Nels, here, come quick!
- Yes, dear.

Come look.
Look, nels, a midget.

[Laughs]
isn't he cute?

Harriet, don't.

Well, he is,

And he's
looking for a job.

Isn't that cute?

It isn't meant
to be cute, sir.

I need a job,
and I saw the sign
outside, "help wanted."

[Laughs]

Are you good
at figures?

Oh, try me.

Harriet: oh, nels,
for heaven's sake!

Harriet.

Here you are, sir.

That's
very good.

Oh, nels,
you're joshing.
[Laughs]

About what?

Well, about him.

We can't have him
working in the store.

Excuse me for
just a moment,
please.

Harriet.

What's the matter?

Stop talking in
front of that man
as if he wasn't here.

You wouldn't know
he was there unless
you looked down.

Harriet!

Oh, don't you
"harriet" me,
nels oleson!

Now, enough
is enough.

This is not
a freak show, it's
a store, and i--

Harriet,
keep your voice down.

I won't have him
working here.

All our customers
will spend all
of their time

Staring at him
instead of buying.

Is that all you
ever think of, money?

No, it isn't
all I ever think of.

He's just...
He's not one of us.

He's not one of us?

That's right.
He's not normal.

Harriet, I'm not
going in there
and tell that man

That I can't
hire him because
"he's not one of us."

Well, fine.
I'll handle it.

Harriet!

Nels: harriet!

Now, then,
mister...um...

Bates. Lou bates.

Yes, mr. Gates,
would you hand me

Those peaches
right up there on
that shelf, please?

Not without a ladder.

Well, we don't use
ladders in this store.

I'm sorry.

[Door bell jingles]

Oh!

Oh, pfff!

John:
hey, lou! Hey, lou!

Lou!

Lou...

Did you find
a job today?

No.

Good, because
I got you one,
and a good one.

I was talking to
a friend of mine today,
mr. Anderson...

Now, wait a minute,
john.

I don't want you
to get me a job

Just because you
pressured a friend.

Will you just be
quiet a minute?

I didn't pressure him.
He pressured me,

And he needs
somebody real bad.

What kind of a job?

Bank teller.

A teller?
A bank teller?

Oh, that's perfect.

Did you tell him
I was good
at figures?

Did you tell him
I could keep books?

I mentioned it,
and what I didn't
tell him,

You can tell him
tomorrow.

You've got
an appointment
in the morning.

Hey, john,
that's great.

I don't know
how to thank you.

No need to. See you
at the bank at 10:00?

You bet!

You know, lou,
I'm a little
envious of you.

I've got to get up
at 5:00 every morning.

Here you're starting out
with banker's hours.

See you
in the morning?

Right.

A teller...
A bank teller.

[Laughs]

Whoo-hoo!
Hey, mama! Mama!

John:
it took a while to convince lou
I had nothing to do with it.

He wouldn't take
any job if he thought
it was just charity.

What did he say
once you got him
convinced?

Oh, he was so happy,
he couldn't say much
of anything.

Well, I'm just trying
to figure out

Who's more excited
about the job,
you or mr. Bates.

It's just a good
feeling to see
something good happen

For a man like lou.

You sure he'll
get the job?

I'm certain of it.

Couldn't be
more perfect for him.

...and as soon
as I start my job,

We'll get a nice
place near town,

And you can have
your own room,
all pink and pretty,

And curtains
on the window,

And you'll have the biggest
doll in walnut grove,

Even bigger than me.

There'll be kids
to play with,
and school,

And that's
very important,

Because if you
work real hard,

You may even
go to college.

And if someone asks you
what your daddy does,

You can say
he works at a bank,

And he's the best
teller in the world.

Are we
too early?

Oh, no, no,
not at all, john.

The sooner I get
some help around here,

The better
I'm going to...

John: bill anderson,
lou bates.

Well, I'll leave
you two to talk
business.

See you back
at the shop,
okay, lou?

Sure, john.

A pleasure,
mr. Anderson.

Mr. Bates.

Um...yeah, well,
john tells me

That you've
never actually
worked as a teller.

No, I haven't.

I'll be right
with you, mrs. Oleson.

What kind of work
have you been doing?

Clowns, acrobats...

I even kept books
for the circus, too.

Yeah, I'm very good
at handling figures,

Especially
large sums of money.

Hmm. Well,
let's see how good
you are with figures.

Sit down right
there, please.

All right, let's
see what you can do

With the figures
on this page.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Anderson,
may I see you for
a moment, please?

Yes,
certainly.

Outside.
It's private.

I'll be right back,
mr. Bates.

Yes, mrs. Oleson?

Mr. Anderson,
just what do you
think you're doing?

What?

Certainly you're not
considering hiring that
dwarf in there, are you?

Why, yes, I was.

I need a teller,
and he...

Are you running
a bank, or are you
running a sideshow?

I can't believe you'd
hire someone like that.

Mrs. Oleson, I do
not judge someone
by their size.

I judge them
by their ability.

Well, mr. Anderson,
perhaps there are
a few other things

That you should take
into consideration.

Such as?

Such as once
you let one undesirable
into the community,

Do you realize
how many will follow?

Now, I think
that he should be
with his own kind.

Mrs. Oleson, i...

I'm not finished,
mr. Anderson.

Now, of course,
the decision to
hire him is yours,

But I want you to know
that if he does work
in that bank,

My account
will be closed,

And I'm quite sure
that the oleson account

Is by far the largest
that is in town. Hmm?

Do I make myself clear,
mr. Anderson?

Good day.

Mr. Anderson...

Thanks.

Well, yes. I can see
you're very good
at ciphering.

Thank you, sir.

But to be honest,
mr. Bates,

I really was
looking for someone

With more experience
as a teller.

But you knew I didn't
have that experience

Before I came
for the interview.

I know, I know,

But I was anxious
to get some help.

Oh, if I don't
know it, I can
learn it very fast.

I'm sure you could,

If I had time to
teach you, but...

Well, you can see
all the work I have
here on my desk.

And some people
might not like the idea

Of having a freak
in your bank.

Mr. Bates...

No. Call me lou...

Little lou.

[Sighs]

Sarah:
hey, husband.

It's lunchtime.

Already?

- Hello, laura.
- John.

- You're joining us?
- Oh, better than that.

It's my treat.

Ah...

But only if you
wash up first.

He'd come along
just that way
if nobody told him.

Now, that's
not true.

As bad as
the children.

Will you stop
that and go get
us a table?

I'm going to
stop at the bank
for a second.

Sarah told me
about mr. Bates.
Did he get the job?

Must have. Bill's
had him there
for two hours.

Must have put
him on the job
right away.

That's wonderful.

Laura:
congratulate him for us.

I will.

Now, you go on,
I'll see you in
a minute, all right?

[Sighs]

Hey, bill.

John.

Where's lou?

He left
some time ago.

Left?

When he didn't
stop by and see me,
I assumed that--

I'm not going to b*at
around the bush,
john, i...

I can't
hire him.

What do you mean
you can't?

Mrs. Oleson came by
while I was talking
to mr. Bates,

And to make a long
story short,

She threatened to
close out her account
here if I hired him.

Why?

You know her
as well as I do.

I can't make it
without her account.

I'm sorry.

John.

Steve.

Afternoon, john.

Hester-sue.

You'd better give me
your order now,

Mrs. O. Is working
the kitchen.

[Laughter]

We won't be having
lunch here today.

I'll be right back.

John?

Ugh...ah,
hester-sue! Ugh!

It's too hot in here.
I don't want to work
here tod--

Oh! Oh, mr. Carter.

What do you have
against lou bates?

Lou bates?
I don't know
who you mean.

Yes, you do.

You told bill anderson
you'd cancel your
account if he hired him.

Oh...that lou bates.

Yes, that lou bates.

Well,
for heaven's sakes,

What are you
so upset about?

I'm upset because
he's a fine man trying
to earn a living,

And you're
stopping him. Why?

Because I don't
want his kind here
in walnut grove.

You should thank me.

What is his kind?

[Laughs]
heavens, I shouldn't think
I'd have to tell you that.

Well, you do.

Well, all right,
I will.

He's deformed.
He's not like us.

He's a...he's a troll,
that's what he is.

For heaven's sakes,
you have eyes,
you can see.

Why, he's spent his
entire life in a sideshow.

Because people
like you made him.

He has a family,
and he has to earn
a living somewhere.

Well, fine,
let him earn a living
somewhere else.

Why?

Because he's not
like us.

I don't trust him.

I don't trust him
with the children.

He's...he's different.

Mrs. Oleson,
cancel my account
at the store

And the restaurant.

Well, why,
for heaven's sake?

Because I can't
trust you.

Your eyes are
too close together.

Are you all right?

Lou?

Uh, yeah, ma?

I said, are you
all right?

I'm all right.

You're awful
quiet tonight.

There's nothing wrong
with being quiet, ma.

I know.

I just thought
you'd be happier.

About your new job,
I mean.

I'm happy, ma.

Are you sure there's
nothing wrong?

I'm sure.

Well, I think
I'll turn in.

You'd better
turn in, too.

It's your first
day tomorrow.

Nobody
wants a sleepy
bank teller.

I'll go to bed
soon, ma.

Lou?

Yeah, ma?

I'm so proud of you.

Good night, ma.

Sleep good.

Ah, this is where
he got in, all right.

Pushed the screen in.

My guess is
that it was a kid.

Well, a grownup couldn't
get through there,
that's for sure.

Well, why on earth
would a child want
to come into a store

And steal
salami and bread

When there's all
that candy inside?

Well, you said there
was a doll missing.

That sounds
like a child.

That's only
one item.

There's also eggs,
and milk, and--

Nels: harriet,
you've already read

That list to us
5 times.

Whoever
the child was,

They wanted
the food,
that's for sure.

He didn't even
touch the money
in the cash drawer.

Well, you keep
saying "he."

The child could
have been a girl.

No, I don't
think so.

You'd have to be
pretty strong to
get through that.

No, I'm sure
it was a boy.

Why would a boy
want a doll?

That's
a good question.

What if it
wasn't a child?

Harriet,
that's already
been established.

A man couldn't
get through
that opening.

Uh-huh...
But a dwarf could.

Lou: * do do
do do do do *

* Ya ta
dee dee dee *

* Do do do do
do do do do *

[Wagon approaching]

Whoa.

John, good morning.

Mrs. Bates, I don't
believe you know

Nels and harriet
oleson.

It's a pleasure.

I've just been
fixing lunch.

Lou went shopping
this morning,

So there's plenty
for everybody

If you care
to join us.

Is lou around?

Yeah. He's
in the wagon
with cynthia.

Wait till you see
the doll he bought her.

[Laughs]
it's bigger
than lou.

Why, lou?
Why did you do it?

I don't know.

If you needed money
or food, you could
have asked.

Would it be easy
for you to ask?

Would you want your family
to know that you're a beggar?

Oh, for heaven's sakes,
will you stop this nonsense?

The man is obviously
guilty. Arrest him!

And I will call
the circuit judge
as soon as we get back.

Mrs. Oleson, most of
your goods are here.

I'll make good on
the rest of them.

You will not!

A crime has been
committed, mr. Carter,

And he shall be punished.

He was trying
to feed his family,

Something he could
have done if you
hadn't interfered.

You're not going to
put the blame on me.

Now, I warned you
about him.

Ah! Circus people
all alike,

Thieves and drifters.

Harriet, he was
only trying to--

Nels! He stole!

Now, I'm sorry if you two
don't have the same
insight that I do.

If you had,
you'd know that he
would be gone by now

And none of this
would have happened.

Harriet,
for once in your--

Nels, it is my store,
and I am pressing charges!

Now, take him
to the icehouse,

And we'll wait until
the circuit court judge
gets here.

Mrs. Oleson,
I'll--

It's all right,
john.

I'll go.

Just give me
a moment with mama.

How's it coming?

Oh, slow but sure.

Down about 30 feet
more than I thought
I'd have to go.

Water table
must be dropping.

I'll hit her
next day or two.

Well, I'm off
for a long weekend.

No school tomorrow.

Yeah, I know.
The circuit judge
is holding court.

I feel sorry for
that little fella.

Yeah, we all do.

I'm heading
on home for lunch,
can I drop you off?

Thanks.

Okay, let me
cover up this hole,
I'll be right with you.

[Door opens]

I brought you
your lunch.

Oh, thank you.

I want you to know

That I did my best
to make her change
her mind,

But she is
so bullheaded.

I know you tried.

Is there anything
I could do?

Sit with me
while I eat?

It gets awful
lonely down here.

Sure. I don't
much like eating
alone myself.

It's a small world,
isn't it?

[Laughs]
yeah.

Nancy, give it back!

It's none of
your business.

It is, too!

Give it back!

A love letter!
[Laughs]

You'll be sorry.

Willie: nancy!

Willie!
Nyah! Ah!

Ugh!

Nancy!

Aah!

Nancy!

Nancy!

That was very good.
My compliments
to your wife.

I cooked it.

[Laughter]
[steps]

Pa, it's nancy.
She fell in the well.

Oh, my god!

Harriet, sobbing:
please, dear god!

Oh, we've got to
get her out of there!

Nels: we will,
harriet, we will.

We were just playing.

I know, it's okay.

It's okay.

The hole
is too narrow.

We're going to have
to dig another one
and tunnel across.

No, it's going to
take a long time,
maybe too long.

Wait a minute.

Lou could make it
down that hole.

If he'll do it.

Come on.

John: lou!

Lou.

We need your help.

What?

Nels' daughter, nancy,
she fell down a well.

There's no way
a grown man
can get to her.

It's too narrow.

Well, what are
we waiting for?

Harriet: [crying]

I'm afraid they're
going to be too late.

It's going to be all
right, they're going to
get her out of there.

Just keep
yourself calm.

My little baby...

John: fine. Now, lou,
be careful of the sides,
it's going to be risky.

I will.

All right.

- Okay?
- Okay, let's...

Okay?

All right, take
up the slack.

All right, easy.

Easy...easy...

Let's go,
almanzo. Down.

Slow...easy...

Easy...down.
All right, easy.

A little bit
more, a little
bit more,

A little bit
more.

Easy...easy...

All right,
whoa, whoa.

Harriet: [sobbing]

John: all right,
give me some more
again...easy.

All right,
real slow.

I think he's down.

Take my hand.

Take my hand.

[Both groaning]

I've got her.

All right, up, up.
Easy, easy.

Get him up.
Easy now.

Easy, easy.

[Sobbing]

John: slow, slow.

Nancy: [sobbing]

I can see them.

I can see them!

Here he comes.
Come on.

Give me a hand.

Give me some slack,
some slack.

[Cheering]

[Sobbing]

Oh, my baby!

Oh, my baby,
my baby...

Harriet: [sobbing]

I...

You...you saved my
little girl's life.

I...i don't know
how to thank you.

I'm so sorry
for what I did.

If I hadn't
interfered,

None of this would
have happened.

I wired the circuit
court judge

And told him that
it was all a mistake,

So you're free to go
anytime you want.

Oh, and I spoke
to mr. Anderson
over at the bank...

And he wants you
to start working
for him tomorrow.

Well...
That's about it.

Oh, I don't expect you
to accept my apology,

But I want you to know
that I'm truly sorry.

I don't know
why it is I have
such a short temper.

What?

I have such
a short temper.

If anyone has
a short temper,

It should be me.

[Chuckles]

[Chuckles]
oh, yes.

I'm not a small man.

I accept your apology.

Oh, oh, thank you.

Oh, thank you.

Laura, voice-over:
lou bates stayed on
in walnut grove

Working for mr. Anderson
at the bank.

He was kind
and hard-working,

And we were all proud
to have him as part
of our community,

Because regardless
of his size,

Lou bates was
a big person,

A very big person.